Reading: psalms 40-45
I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord (Ps. 40:1-3).
As David reflected on his past, he was reminded of dark and troublesome times. He recalled seemingly endless days and nights of suffering and sorrow. He remembered occasions where he had been so overcome by circumstances that he had felt as if he were drowning, being sucked down in an horrible pit of miry clay that he had not possessed the strength to free himself from. Yet even in his deepest darkness, David had known he wasn’t alone. The deeper he had sunk, the louder he had cried out to God. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. Selah (Ps. 3:4). Then, in absolute faith, he had waited patiently for the Lord.
Centuries later, we are given another example of how patience can be born of absolute faith. The Apostle Paul understood all too well the feeling of being overcome by circumstances beyond his control: Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness (II Cor. 11:24-27). Yet Paul faced these trials with equanimity, never once losing faith. He knew that his life lay in God’s hands, and he, like David before him, trusted that his cry would be heard and answered. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh (James 5:8).
David’s psalm goes on to acknowledge God’s rescue. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. More than that, though, David praises God for allowing him the privilege of enduring tribulations in the first place. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. David’s life had played out on the big stage for all the world to see. Thus when God triumphantly raised him from the muck, all the world bore witness to His glory. Through David’s suffering, the suffering of countless others was alleviated as, for the first time, blind eyes saw and deaf ears heard, new hearts were opened, and the family of God grew.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (I Pet. 4:12-13).
Thought For Today:Concerning the tribulations of this world – Remember, perseverance rather than despair in the face of suffering, and unconditional faith rather than doubt in the face of uncertainty.
Christ Revealed: As One who will do the will of God (Ps. 40:6-8). Jesus said that His purpose on earth was to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work (John 4:34; Heb. 10:7-9).
Word Studies:40:6 ears . . . opened = You have given me a heart to hear and obey; 41:3 make all his bed in his sickness = sustain him in all his sickness; 42:1 panteth after = longs for.
Pray For Staff:Tifany Parisi • Government Official: Rep. Doug La Malfa (CA), Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY), Rep. Randy Weber (TX), Rep. Mike Collins (GA)• Country: Slovakia (5,443,583) Central Europe • Major Language: Slovak • Restricted Religious Freedom • 62.1% Roman Catholic; 8.2% Protestant; 3.8% Greek Catholic; 12.5% Other/Unspecified; 13% None • Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord; He is your refuge (Ps. 15:1-4).
Optional Reading:I Thessalonians 1